First off, I feel very lucky to have to choose between two such great institutions, but I ultimately don’t know what to do!
Important to note that USC will be about 20k more expensive, my parents are going to be covering all costs but I don’t want to be too much of a burden on them. I’ll take out federal loans every year regardless of which institution.
What I’m looking for: a school with great academics (I need nerd culture), small class sizes w/ attentive professors, collaborative rather than competitive student body, and a strong sense of community. Also really want a beautiful campus, but that’s significantly less important lol. Small class sizes are probably the most important to me.
USC is a better school, no doubt, but I’m worried about party culture and Greek life, and it’s also more expensive. It has a super great alumni network, but idk how important that is? Co-ops at Northeastern are pretty sweet though, I just worry that there’s not that sense of school community because people are leaving campus all the time. Also, Boston has way better public transportation than LA, but idk if that should factor much into my decision lol. I’m def a northeast kinda girl, but I’m sure I’ll warm up to LA if necessary. I got into the honors college at both, but at NEU I got into this combined Bachelors/Masters 5 year program. I’m atm planning to go to law school, but if I end up changing my mind I know I’d be going to some type of grad school, so finishing in 5 years would be nice. But at the same time, I know that grad school prestige matters a whole lot more than undergrad, so I might not even take advantage of the 5 years and do my masters somewhere else. Also, would USC be harder to manage my GPA at? (Law school fears lol). Please help me out!
I also have received a full tuition+some at my state school and full tuition at Lewis and Clark. This would allow me to graduate debt free, but I don’t think taking on 20k in debt is unreasonable, and my parents have assured me that they would be able to handle the other costs of either NEU or USC. But again, I obviously don’t want to have to spend the money if USC/NEU wouldn’t be worth it. Regardless of money, I’d still like help choosing between USC and NEU!
USC has a better campus. It’s really pretty but its in a REALLY shady place. LA’s transportation isn’t that bad? My brother goes to UCLA (can’t drive) but he’s doing alright. So without the problem with the cost and such, I would choose USC.
But if you’re thinking of going to law school, you should go to Northeastern. The co-op will probably help you pay your tuition and you will have stuff to write about in your resume.
Both USC and Northeastern has a bit of a grade inflation. (compared to public schools)
It depends on what you’re looking for when it comes to campus. NEU and USC have very different campus types. USC would be the picturesque one you see often, while Northeastern is a compact urban campus in the heart of Boston.
I’m a Northeastern student currently living in LA on co-op - the transportation is significantly different. Much easier in Boston with the T. LA doesn’t have the worst public transit, but the city is so spread out that getting from A to B takes a lot of time in many cases, even with direct metro lines to them. And if there aren’t direct lines, double the time. If you’re looking for a convenient city experience, Northeastern is much more that. That said, USC has plenty to do and good access to LA still. Again, personal preference. The culture of the cities are distinct as well.
On the main important points you mentioned outside of campus:
- Both have great academics and plenty of “nerd culture”. Northeastern is more professionally focused with co-op, so by the pure academic sense/feel, USC may make more sense.
- Class sizes are about the same at each. What program you're in could vary that, though, so check specifically if possible.
- Both have collaborative communities as far as I know. USC again will be more traditional in its sense of community, while Northeastern will focus around co-op and the academic philosophy behind it. I would venture to estimate that over 50% of the school's main reason for picking Northeastern is co-op, so there's a strong bond there. You won't find that bond in sports, though, for example. USC will have more of that "classic" community.
- Alumni networks are a bit overhyped in my opinion - even so, Northeastern's career services are the top of the line (#1 or #2 the past decade or by The Princeton Review). That will beat any alumni network outside of places like the Ivies or particularly strong programs at certain schools like CS at CMU, etc.
It sounds like either would be well worth the 20K total in debt in my opinion. I love Northeastern personally and have had a great time here, but it sounds to me like USC is the better fit for you. Unless you’re very into co-op or the city experience, I think USC has more of what you’re looking for.